National Research Foundation (nrf): Business Plan 2008/9- 2010/11

Current strategic knowledge fields

0. Indigenous Knowledge systems

1. South African Biosystematics Initiative

2. Marine and Coastal Management

3. African Origins Programme

4. Multi-wavelength Astronomy

5. South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP)

6. Areas of Geographic Advantage Programme (AGAP)

7. Nanotechnology Programme

8. Areas covered by National Research Facilities

Grand challenges

0. Bio-economy

1. Space Science and Technology

2. Energy security

3. Global climate change

4. Human and social dynamics

DISCIPLINES vs. GRAND CHALLENGES

[See Graphic In Separate Document]

STRATEGIC PLATFORMS

National Research Facilities: Roll-out of 5-year research plans

0. HartRAO: ramp up & operational integration of SKA activities; KAT, MeerKat, Space Geodesy

1. SAAO: ongoing commissioning of SALT

2. HMO: seek funding for Ihlabathi project

3. SAIAB: acceleration of ACEP

4. SAEON: strengthening rolled-out nodes

5. NZG: increase research capability; Life Sciences Centre

6. iThemba LABS: iTPTC

RISA to host RIMS platform

INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES

0. Rationalise & streamline international activities

1. Strengthen international collaboration

2. Focus on Africa

3. Review and reinforce support for ICSU Regional Office for Africa

SCIENCE AWARENESS (SAASTA)

0. Establish research programme on community engagement with science

1. Operationalise science outreach activities at refurbished Johannesburg Observatory site

2. Collaboration with DoE on Dinaledi Schools MST programme

INNOVATION FUND: HIGH RISK INVESTMENTS

[See Graphic In Separate Document]

R&D INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SINCE 1999

[See Graphic In Separate Document]

KEY CHALLENGES: 2008-2009
Redefine role of NRF in relation to:

–TIA and NSA, Grand Challenges;

–Review positioning of selected National Research Facilities (SANAP, Biodiversity & Conservation)

•Implement research plans (National Research Facilities)

•National Research Facilities infrastructure upgrade

•NRF Vision 2015: Phased implementation

•In real terms, declining MTEF core allocation (e.g. RISA core grant – 97.4% of MTEF committed to grant making)

[See Graphic In Separate Document]